India's sheer diversity - its wealth of culture, history and spectacular geography cannot fail to impress even the most seasoned traveller. Ancient forts and palaces, spice markets, cities teeming with people, the sweeping dunes of Rajasthan, vast plains carved up by the Ganges and its tributaries and the lush green south, flanked by superb beaches, all contrast with the majestic grandeur of the mighty Himalayas. The people, customs, language, landscape and architecture change dramatically between regions. If history is your thing, India will satisfy even the most enquiring mind. There are forts, abandoned cities, ruins, battlefields, palaces and monuments in abundance, while religious intrigue is fuelled by the Ganges and myriad temples, ranging from ancient to modern - and with everything in-between. The Himalayas afford some of the most breathtaking walking country on the planet and are home to some sensational, award-winning spas; while Goa and Kerala in the south offer excellent beaches, palm-groves, crumbling forts, lush vegetation and stunning backwaters: a vast network of lakes, lagoons, rivers and canals.